Ink application device for tattooing or for making permanent make-up

ABSTRACT

An ink application device for tattooing or for making permanent make-up includes a handle, a needle drive, a needle, a needle nozzle and a protective cap. The device further includes at least two modules releasably connected to one another. One of the modules is formed as a reusable base module with an integrated needle drive, and the other module is a sterilized disposable module in which all components of the manual device capable of being infected by bodily fluids of a customer are integrated. The device can be constructively divided into two or three separate modules: a basic module, a disposable or hygienic module and an optional ink module. The basic module corresponds to the handle that includes the needle drive and is designed such that the hygienic module can be safely attached and connected to the integrated needle drive.

[0001] This application is a continuation application of Application No.09/671,650 filed on Sep. 28, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,345,553.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to an ink application device fortattooing or for making permanent make-up that can apply tattoos orother permanent make-up. In particular, this invention relates to apermanent make-up ink application device for ensuring sterility whentreating customers.

[0004] 2. Discussion of the Related Art

[0005] The spreading of highly infectious bacterial or viral infectiousdiseases such as AIDS and hepatitis, which are transmitted by bodilyfluids, places substantial pressure on cosmeticians with respect to thehygienic handling of the tools and ink containers when applyingpermanent make-up (PMU) and tattoos. In everyday practice, theseconcerns are not easy to address.

[0006] It is particularly problematic in the practice of applyingpermanent make-up and tattoos because these measures are so invasive. Inparticular, the customer's skin is pierced by the method, and blood orblood serum may issue from the treated portion of the skin. Moreover,the parts of the device that come into direct contact with the customer,in particular, the needles and needle nozzles, are contaminated by thecustomer's bodily fluids. In order to avoid known diseases transmittedby bodily fluids, such as AIDS and hepatitis, these parts of the devicemust be sterile before treatment and are to be regarded as potentiallyinfectious after treatment. Therefore, they must be disposed ofaccordingly.

[0007] Thus, it is common practice that certain parts of the PMU ortattoo device, such as needles, are disposable articles. Other parts canbe used several times and thus must be carefully cleaned and sterilizedafter use. Before use, these parts must be taken out of the sterilepackaging in which they are stored and then they are mounted in or atthe PMU or manual tattoo device. This requires a substantial amount oftime and money and further requires great care from the users to ensurethat all parts are sterile when the device is used on customers.

[0008] When applying tattoos or permanent make-up, ink to be introducedinto the skin is typically taken from large ink reservoir containers,usually large ink bottles. Then the ink is either directly applied ontothe customer's skin or it is injected by means of syringes, dropperpipettes or similar tools into a PMU or tattoo pen by means of which thetattoo is applied. The amount of ink in the ink bottles is significantlylarger than the quantity required for one customer. One bottle istherefore used for a multitude of tattoos and make-up applications orfor multiple customers.

[0009] This practice poses health risks for customers because of thedanger that bodily fluids, such as blood or serum issuing from theinjured skin of a customer when piercing, “carving-in” or contacting theskin while applying the ink, contact the filling aids used fortransferring the ink out of the reservoir ink bottles. As a result, thebodily fluids may spread into the reservoir bottle thereby losing thesterility of the bottle. Under these circumstances, several customerscan be contaminated by infectious diseases if the same ink and the samefiling aid are used.

[0010] The prolonged storage of the ink in the relatively largereservoir container and the permanent extraction of small amounts fortreating customers can, despite all precautionary measures, cause thecontamination of the ink with dust particles, germs and bacteria and maylead to an infection in the customer. The sterility of the ink cantherefore not always be reliably ensured despite careful hygienicmeasures. Moreover, an economic handling of the relatively expensive inkis not possible with this method.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] An object of the invention is to eliminate the above-mentioneddisadvantages and to reliably ensure the sterility of a device and theink for each customer, each tattoo and each permanent make-up in asimple manner.

[0012] According to the invention, the object is solved by an inkapplication device for tattooing or for making permanent make-up,comprising a handle, a needle drive, a needle, a needle nozzle and aprotective cap, and at least two modules releasably connected to oneanother, wherein one of the modules is formed as a reusable base modulewith an integrated needle drive, and the other module is a sterilizeddisposable module in which all components of the manual device capableof being infected by bodily fluids of a customer are integrated.

[0013] The ink application device is constructively divided into two orthree separate modules: a basic module, a disposable or hygienic moduleand an optional ink module, e.g. an ink cartridge, wherein the basicmodule corresponds to the handle which includes the drive and isdesignated such that the hygienic module can be safely attached andconnected to the drive.

[0014] When using a disposable module which includes all parts that canpotentially be infected during treatment by the customer's bodilyfluids, the exchange of single parts of the manual device, such as theneedle or needle nozzles and the sterilization of the remaining partsthat may have contacted the bodily fluid, becomes superfluous before thenext use of the manual device on another customer. The disposable moduleis removed from the basic module after the treatment and is disposed ofin the usual manner. Then, it is necessary for the subsequent treatmentto plug a new disposable module onto the basic module to make the deviceready to operate for the next customer. Since the disposable module istaken from a sterile package directly before use, its sterility isensured without the need for special hygienic measures by the user orhygienic conditions in the treatment environment.

[0015] The connection between the basic module and the disposable modulecan be established and released in a simple manner so that the devicecan also be simply and safely used even by less experienced users.

[0016] Since the ink tank is filled before the sterilization process orafter removal from the sterile packaging by means of a sterilized inkcartridge with an ink quantity sufficient for one treatment, thecontamination or infection of the ink is effectively prevented, and therequired sterility during treatment is ensured.

[0017] The ink quantity of approximately 0.5 to 2.0 ml providedaccording to preferred embodiments is usually sufficient for one tattooor PMU. If further ink is required for larger tattoo applications, theempty ink cartridge can easily be replaced by a new, sterile cartridgewithout the risk of contamination or infection.

[0018] An ink container can, for instance, be used as an ink cartridgeas disclosed in the German Utility Model No. 299 16 971, which isincorporated herein by reference.

[0019] A sealing diaphragm provided, according to the preferredembodiments, between the basic and disposable module ensures that no inkleaks from the ink tank of the disposable module and enters the basicmodule. This ensures that the reusable basic module is not exposed tobodily fluids and can be reused without having to be sterilized. Inaddition, the diaphragm also prevents the penetration of impurities,germs or bacteria which may adhere to the basic module, into the steriledisposable module.

[0020] The manual device according to the invention achieves the specialhygienic conditions necessary for applying tattoos or PMUs with simplehandling procedures to ensure sterility of the elements contacting thecustomer's skin.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The above and other objects and features of the present inventionwill be clearly understood from the following description with respectto the preferred embodiments thereof when considered in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022]FIG. 1 shows a cross sectional view of a disposable moduleaccording to the invention which is already filled with ink and which isclosed, storable and ready to operate;

[0023]FIG. 2 shows a partial cross sectional view of the disposablemodule of FIG. 1;

[0024]FIG. 3 shows a partial cross sectional view of an embodiment of anempty disposable module formed according to the invention with anattached ink cartridge;

[0025]FIG. 4 shows a partial cross sectional view of another embodimentof an empty disposable module formed according to the invention;

[0026]FIG. 5 shows a partial cross sectional view of yet anotherembodiment of an empty disposable module formed according to theinvention; and

[0027]FIG. 6 shows a partial cross sectional view of a furtherembodiment of an empty disposable module formed according to theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028]FIGS. 1 and 2 show an embodiment of a disposable or hygienic 5module formed according to the invention. A basic module 20 is formed asa conventional handle. The basic module 20 comprises a drive 21 for aneedle 3, which is adapted in accordance with the constructive design ofa needle shaft 13.

[0029] The disposable module is provided with a housing comprising arear housing part 1 and a front housing part 2, and a protective cap 9which tightly locks the element towards the front when it is not in use.The disposable module of the present example is comprised of parts madeof a medically compatible plastic material. In an alternativeembodiment, it can also be formed as one piece. The manufacturer placesthe module in a sterile package, and it is suitable for long-termstorage.

[0030] A thermoplastic injection needle 3 is supported within theelement by a sealing and bearing element 4 and by a bearing sleeve 7.The bearing dimensions are proportioned so that simple and normaloperation of the needle 3 is ensured, and the needle movement throughthe bearing 4 transports the ink. Moreover, the sleeve 7 ensuresmovement with little friction.

[0031] An ink tank 14 is closed by a collar 6 and is filled with ink.The size of the ink tank 14 preferably corresponds to an ink quantity ofapproximately 0.5 to 2.0 ml, since this ink quantity is usuallysufficient for one treatment. Different ink quantities are of coursealso possible.

[0032] The ink is preferably introduced before sterilization andpackaging of the disposable module, and the element is closed by thecollar 6. In this manner, the sterility of the element and of the ink isensured. The element is packaged in a storable manner. After removalfrom the sterile packaging, it is immediately ready to operate, and itonly has to be connected to the basic module formed as a handle with theneedle drive.

[0033] The leaking of ink towards the back into the basic module, whichis not shown, is prevented because the bearing 4 is dimensioned to havein a tight fit, and the needle shaft 13 is closed by a diaphragm 5, thatis made of a resilient material. The diaphragm 5 has a substantiallycentrally arranged opening for the needle 3, and the opening is providedwith a sealing bead or lip 32. The sealing bead or lip 32 is disposedaround the needle shaft. The resiliency of the diaphragm 5 enablesmovement of the needle 3 within a required stroke interval. The slidableseat of the sealing bead or lip 32 of the diaphragm 5 on the needleshaft 13 allows relief of the diaphragm in the rest position. Thediaphragm 5 is preferably made of a medically compatible, rubber-likematerials, which are generally known in medical technology.

[0034] A magnet 10 attached at the distal end of the needle shaft 13secures a non-positive connection of the needle 3 with the drive (notshown) in the basic module when the disposable module is connected tothe basic module. The drive is provided at the opposite end of theneedle shaft 13 with a corresponding magnetic counter piece 31 torealize the magnetic coupling. The magnetic material may be soft iron orreinforced or non-reinforced sinter ceramics.

[0035]FIGS. 3 and 4 show further embodiments of the disposable orhygienic module according to the invention. This embodiment differs fromthe one shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in that the ink filling of the element isperformed by plugging on a sterile ink cartridge 11. As shown in FIG. 4,a specially formed diaphragm 5 supports its resilient movement with theneedle 3.

[0036] Instead of the ink cartridge 11, a micro dosing pump (not shown)can also supply the ink from a corresponding ink container into the inktank 14. The ink is preferably discharged automatically from the inkmodule 11 or from the micro dosing pump into the ink tank 14. Preferably5 to 30 ml per needle stroke are dosed. Manual operation of the inkmodule 11 is also possible. The ink is transported by the movement ofthe needle 3 through a needle nozzle 8 during operation of the manualdevice.

[0037] In a further embodiment, which is not shown, the needle shaft 13can be formed cylindrically at its distal end so that it engages aclamping device provided in the basic module, preferably with a colletchuck to establish the drive connection for the needle 3.

[0038] As an alternative, the diaphragm can also be formed without anopening for the needle 3 and fully close the disposable module in thedirection of the basic module. In this case, an indirect connectionbetween the elements of the magnetic coupling with an interposeddiaphragm 5 is established.

[0039] In a further embodiment, the needle shaft 13 can be formed as apressure absorber at its distal end. The needle shaft 13 can be drivenforward directly through the opening of the diaphragm 5 or indirectlythrough the closed diaphragm 5 by a pressure tappet not connected to theneedle shaft. It can then be moved back by a return spring 12.

[0040] Further examples of embodiments of the element are shown in FIGS.5 and 6. In both alternatives, the needles are moved by means of areturn spring 12 located in a rear portion of the device. In FIG. 5, aclosed form diaphragm 5 is shown, with the needle shaft 13 being formedas a pressure absorber abutting the inner side of the diaphragm that isthe side facing the disposable module. On the opposite side of thediaphragm 5 (i.e. the side facing the basic module), a tappet, which isnot shown, holds the needle shaft end against the force of the returnspring 12 to drive the needle 3. The return movement of the needle 3 isthen performed by the force of the return spring 12.

[0041] In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the disposable module is sealed inthe direction of the basic module by a closed diaphragm 5. In theembodiment of FIG. 6, the diaphragm 5 is provided with an opening.

[0042] It is to be understood that although the present invention hasbeen described with regard to preferred embodiments thereof, variousother embodiments and variants may occur to those skilled in the art,which are within the scope and spirit of the invention, and such otherembodiments and variants are intended to be covered by the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An ink application device for tattooing or formaking permanent make-up, comprising: a basic module having a handle andan integrated needle drive; and a disposable module including an outerhousing substantially surrounding a needle which is supported at one endof the disposable module by a needle nozzle and which is supported at IQanother end of the disposable module by a portion that can contact theintegrated needle drive, an ink chamber disposed inside the outerhousing, a portion of the ink chamber being disposed around the needle,and means for allowing simultaneous removal of the entire disposableunit from the basic module.
 2. An ink application device for tattooingor for making permanent make-up as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inkchamber has a volume sufficient for one application of ink.
 3. An inkapplication device for tattooing or for making permanent make-up asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the needle is disposed at least partially insaid ink chamber so that during operation of the device, needle movementtransports ink through the ink nozzle.
 4. An ink application device fortattooing or for making permanent make-up as claimed in claim 1, furthercomprising a separate ink module attachable to an opening in thedisposable module for filling an ink chamber, the separate ink modulehaving a quantity of sterile ink sufficient for one application.
 5. Anink application device for tattooing or for making permanent make-up asclaimed in claim 4, wherein the separate ink module includes an outletfor discharging ink with each needle stroke.
 6. An ink applicationdevice for tattooing or for making permanent make-up as claimed in claim4, wherein the separate ink module includes an outlet for dischargingink into the ink chamber.
 7. An ink application device for tattooing orfor making permanent make-up as claimed in claim 1, wherein the portionthat is connectable to the integrated needle drive is the needle shaft.8. An ink application device for tattooing or for making permanentmake-up as claimed in claim 7, wherein the needle shaft is cylindrical.9. An ink application device for tattooing or for making permanentmake-up as claimed in claim 7, wherein the diaphragm is devoid of anyopenings so that it completely closes off the ink chamber from the basicmodule.
 10. An ink application device for tattooing or for makingpermanent make-up, comprising: a basic module having a handle and anintegrated needle drive; and a sterilized disposable module having ahousing that includes a needle disposed therein, an ink tank having aportion around the needle disposed inside the housing, a needle nozzledisposed on one end of the sterilized disposable module, another end ofthe sterilized disposable module having a portion that is connectable tothe integrated needle drive and a bearing element disposed inside thehousing and supporting the needle in the housing so that the needle, theink tank portion, the bearing element and the housing form a unit thatis detachable from the basic module, whereby components of the devicethat could be infected by the bodily fluids of a user are integratedinto the sterilized disposable module.
 11. An ink application device fortattooing or for making permanent make-up as claimed in claim 10,wherein the ink tank has a volume sufficient for one application of ink.12. An ink application device for tattooing or for making permanentmake-up as claimed in claim 10, wherein the needle is disposed at leastpartially in said ink tank so that during operation of the device,needle movement transports ink through the ink nozzle.
 13. An inkapplication device for tattooing or for making permanent make-up asclaimed in claim 10, further comprising a separate ink module attachableto an opening in the disposable module for filling an ink tank, theseparate ink module having a quantity of sterile ink sufficient for oneapplication.
 14. An ink application device for tattooing or for makingpermanent make-up as claimed in claim 13, where in the separate inkmodule includes an out let for discharging ink with each needle stroke.15. An ink application device for tattooing or for making permanentmake-up as claimed in claim 13, wherein the separate ink module includesan outlet for discharging ink into the ink tank.
 16. An ink applicationdevice for tattooing or for making permanent make-up as claimed in claim10, wherein the portion that is connectable to the integrated needledrive is the needle shaft.
 17. An ink application device for tattooingor for making permanent make-up as claimed in claim 16, wherein theneedle shaft is cylindrical.
 18. An ink application device for tattooingor for making permanent make-up as claimed in claim 16, wherein thediaphragm is devoid of any openings so that it completely closes off theink tank from the basic module.
 19. A method of using an ink applicationdevice for tattooing or for making permanent make-up, comprising thesteps of: providing a basic module having a handle and an integratedneedle drive; providing a disposable module including an outer housingsubstantially surrounding a needle which is supported at one end of thedisposable module by a needle nozzle and which is supported at anotherend of the disposable module by a portion that can contact theintegrated needle drive, an ink chamber disposed inside the outerhousing, a portion of the ink chamber being disposed around the needle,and simultaneously removing the entire disposable unit from the basicmodule following an application of ink using the ink application device.20. The method of using an ink application device for tattooing or formaking permanent make-up defined in claim 19, further comprising thestep of: replacing another disposable unit on the basic module to allowanother application of ink.